The disease had been identified as a priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.
Further details will be announced in the coming months following ongoing discussions with industry representatives.
The Minister said: "Sheep scab has significant economic consequences for sheep producers and animal welfare issues for sheep. It is one of the most contagious disease of sheep in Wales and eradicating it is a priority for us and the industry.
"I’m pleased to be able to announce £5m Rural Development Programme funding will be used to help support the industry tackle the disease. Eradicating the disease has the potential to deliver significant lasting economic benefits for the sector at a particularly challenging time as we prepare to leave the European Union."
Reporter Andy Davies spoke to Charlotte Debbaut MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon from Belgium working at the Tindale Veterinary Practice in Gloucestershire, where there are 13 vets with eight different nationalities. He also interviewed Matthew Pugh MRCVS and Ovidiu Oltean MRCVS from Belmont Veterinary Centre, a mixed practice in Hereford which employs five foreign nationals out of a team of 13 veterinary surgeons.
Finally, he talked to John Blackwell MRCVS at Brownlow Veterinary Group in Shropshire, where Brexit had already caused a Croatian member of his team to refuse a permanent position and return to Ireland.
Congratulations to the RCVS and BVA press offices, who will have been hard at work behind the scenes.
See: https://www.channel4.com/news/brexit-affecting-vet-recruitment
Lucy and Rosanna have joined the business in hybrid positions as Novice OVs and will do this alongside working in a clinical practice.
The company says this is a significant milestone for the industry, which has relied on overseas talent for many years.
Eville & Jones says it has now developed a compelling proposition for UK new graduates who want to combine OV work with traditional clinical practice, and vets looking for a lifestyle change or a move away from practice, working flexibly in export certification, abattoir work, certification against standards, or small animal vaccination.
Charles Hartwell, chief executive officer of Eville & Jones said: “The team at Eville & Jones has spent two years developing an attractive proposition to encourage UK-educated veterinary surgeons to consider a career in this field, whether combined with traditional clinical practice, or stand alone.
"We wish Lucy and Rosanna the best of luck and hope they become trailblazers for many others to follow in their footsteps.”
Lucy said: “I’m really excited to be starting my career in veterinary public health where, as an OV, you can positively affect the lives of 1000’s of animals."
Rosanna added: “I’m really proud to have joined the veterinary industry this summer; OVs are instrumental in monitoring and safe-guarding animal welfare in a way that many vets don't realise."
Themed 'Controlling Disease Threats at Home and from Abroad’, this year's conference will highlight the increasing importance of OVs in safeguarding the UK’s international trade and in protecting human health through disease surveillance and control.
The conference programme includes dedicated lecture streams aimed at large animal, small animal and equine practitioners. Improve says that lecture content has been tailored to cover areas of key relevance for more than 8,000 OVs due to revalidate their qualifications in March 2019. The programme also includes interactive workshops, including drop-in question and answer sessions offering practical advice and guidance on the revalidation process.
An exhibition of products and services for OVs runs alongside the conference.
David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve, said: "This conference remains the only event dedicated to the needs of OVs. They receive industry updates from leading figures in the veterinary sector, attend lectures on OV work from experts and, in so doing, work towards their CPD revalidation requirements. We’re currently finalising a packed programme for this year’s conference and urge OVs to take advantage of our time-limited Early Bird offers and register without delay."
For more information on the Official Veterinarian Conference and Exhibition or to register visit: www.officialvet.com
Vetoquinol is launching Forcyl, an injectable anti-infective for the targeted therapeutic treatment of respiratory infections in cattle, in November.
Forcyl is a patented 16% marbofloxacin solution, registered as a single intramuscular injection, which the company says will ensure a high level of compliance.
Forcyl follows the SISAAB concept (single injection short acting antibiotic), with an optimised dosage to minimise the risk of development of antibiotic resistance. Shorter exposure time limits the opportunity for resistance to develop. The formulation means a lower volume of administration (10 ml for 160 kg body weight) is required. Vetoquinol says that other benefits of Forcyl include excellent injection site tolerance and short withdrawal periods (meat: 5 days, milk: 48 hours).
For further information on implementing the SISAAB concept in your practice, please contact one of Vetoquinol's large animal team on 01280 814500.
MSD Animal Health has launched Bovilis IBR Marker Inac, an inactivated marker vaccine for use in the control of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).
The company says the new product complements Bovilis IBR Marker Live and creates a range now offering greater simplicity and additional flexibility for veterinary surgeons seeking optimum control protocols for their clients' herds.
MSD Animal Health ruminant veterinary adviser Drew McGurren MRCVS said: "Farmer compliance is an important part of any successful vaccination programme. With this extended Bovilis IBR Marker programme, farmers can now start IBR vaccination of their cattle from three months of age with a single shot primary course of Bovilis IBR Marker Live, easily followed by boosters every six months using a single dose of either Bovilis IBR Marker Live or Bovilis IBR Marker Inac. Both primary course and boosters can be administered by the same intramuscular route.
"Alternatively, Bovilis IBR Marker Inac can be administered to cattle from three months of age as a primary course of two injections four weeks apart. The programme then follows a six monthly single dose booster regime.
"The availability of Bovilis IBR Marker Inac provides a simple control option in defined farm situations, not least where an alternative to the live vaccine is preferred or required. Overall, we see this development adding convenience, ease of use and flexibility for veterinary surgeons as they work with their clients to control a significant disease threat in dairy and beef cattle in the UK."
Bovilis IBR Marker Inac is a prescription-only medicine (POM-V). The product is available from wholesalers now in 10 and 50 dose vials. For further information, contact the MSD Animal Health Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
The current strain of bluetongue emerged in the Netherlands in 2023 and spread rapidly, infecting over 5,000 livestock farms.
Infection of livestock with this serotype of the virus can result in severe clinical signs and high mortality rates1, significantly impacting animal health, and farming communities.
Bultavo 3 is an inactivated injectable vaccine indicated for the active immunisation against BTV-3.
Boehringer says that in sheep, Bultavo 3 has been shown to significantly reduce viraemia and prevent mortality and clinical signs associated with BTV-3 infection.
Onset of immunity occurs three weeks after administration of a single 1ml subcutaneous dose in sheep.
In cattle, two 1ml intramuscular doses are required, at a three-week interval.
Findlay MacBean, Head of Livestock, UK and Ireland at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “It’s great news that we can support farmers and authorities in their fight against bluetongue with our new BTV-3 vaccine, Bultavo 3.
"As we have seen across Europe, and now in the UK, BTV can spread rapidly and causes considerable stress to farmers because of the significant financial impact on those affected.
The availability of Bultavo 3 means future BTV-3 outbreaks can be suppressed, helping farmers protect not only their herds, but also their livelihoods.” Oli Maxwell, BVSc BSc(Hons) MVM DipECBHM, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production and Clinical Director of Green Counties Vets said: “Farmers are justifiably concerned about BTV-3 and its incursion into the UK again this year.
"Reports from colleagues on the continent regarding the severity of clinical signs, especially in sheep are worrying.
"We have seen a huge increase in clients asking about the disease, progress on a vaccine and what this may mean for animal movements at a critical time of year.
"The availability of a safe and effective vaccine as a critical tool against a disease that we can’t reasonably prevent with biosecurity measures will be a welcome development for many.”
To manage supply and demand, use of the product will initially be subject to geographical restriction with vaccination permitted in high-risk English counties: Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.
Reference:
The Ruminant Wellbeing Achievement Award will be offered to a practising veterinary surgeon or a researcher in veterinary science, animal science or related disciplines to recognise his/her achievements in advancing the well-being of ruminants.
The Ruminant Wellbeing Research Award will be offered to a recent PhD graduate in veterinary science, animal science or related disciplines that made an exceptional contribution to the scientific knowledge on ruminant well-being.
The winners will be awarded with a €10,000 cash prize. Travel expenses to attend the meeting and awards ceremony (which coincides with the World Buiatrics meeting) will also be covered.
Scott Deakin, Metacam brand manager at Boehringer said: "Farm animal wellbeing is at the heart of efficient and effective production and Boehringer is delighted to have led the way in raising the importance of this over the last 10 years and is committed to doing so for the next 10 years and beyond.
"By linking with the World Buiatrics Association for the first time and offering two awards at the Wellbeing Forum, we believe the company is offering an exciting and valuable opportunity for vets and we look forward to receiving a large number of interesting applications."
Veterinary surgeons can apply directly or nominate a colleague at: www.farmanimalwellbeing.com.
An independent jury will decide on the winner.
The deadline for applications is 28th February 2018.
MSD Animal Health has announced the launch of Cepralock, a new teat sealant to complement its dry cow intramammary product Cepravin Dry Cow and wider Dairy Herd Health portfolio.
The company says the new product is designed for use at drying off, with or without a dry cow intramammary antibiotic, and provides an important inert barrier in the teat canal to reduce significantly the risk of bacterial infection of the udder during the dry period.
Cepralock is supplied in tubes with the option of short nozzles that are designed to help avoid the risk of teat damage and incorrect administration beyond the teat canal.
The launch is also being accompanied by dry cow therapy training and a support programme for veterinary practitioners and their dairy farmer clients. This will include diagnostics and data analytics, and training will have a significant focus on correct administration and removal of teat sealant after calving, allowing vets to provide adequate reassurances to their clients around product use.
MSD Animal Health technical adviser Martin Behr said: "The dry period is a critical time for vets as they seek to help their clients in the battle to combat mastitis, which remains a significant drain on dairy herd profitability. It provides an ideal opportunity to clear up existing bacterial infections in the udder with the use of intramammary antibiotics, but it is also vital to prevent new infections over the period.
"Cows do have their own natural physical defence against infection in the form of the keratin plug that forms in the teat canal after drying off, but this is not always sufficiently effective. In a recent study it was shown that only 50% of 500 examined quarters had a fully developed keratin plug within 10 days of drying off, whilst 20% of teats remained open into the second half of the dry period. This is significant because the majority of clinical cases of mastitis that occur during the dry period do so within the first three weeks.
"Correct use of a teat sealant at drying off, immediately after the administration of the dry cow intramammary if used, will provide an effective physical barrier for the duration of the dry period, significantly reducing the chances of new infections of the udder."
According to MSD, it is estimated that less than half of dairy cows are currently given a teat sealant at drying off, despite the concept being established for a number of years and numerous farm studies providing strong evidence of their efficacy.
Martin added: "The potential return on investment for dairy farmers of correctly applied teat sealants is clear. A single case of mastitis is estimated to cost between £70 and £250 and the average UK dairy herd suffers somewhere in the region of 50 to 60 cases per 100 cows per lactation. A correctly applied dry cow therapy programme, including the use of teat sealants, will significantly reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis, thereby providing a demonstrable return on investment.
"At MSD Animal Health we are keen to help veterinary practitioners promote best practice in dry cow therapy, including the adoption of the correct protocols and application procedures. Therefore we are supporting the launch of Cepralock with the offer of Continuous Professional Development for veterinary practitioners on all aspects of dry cow therapy, including correct use of teat sealant and its removal after calving."
Cepralock teat sealant is available to veterinary practices in packs of 24 tubes and 120 tubes.
For more information about Cepralock or MSD's Dry Cow Management Support package for vets and farmers, contact your Account Manager.
Severn Edge was formed six years ago with the merger of two long-standing neighbouring practices, and now employs 135 people, including 43 veterinary surgeons.
Mrs Karyn MacKenzie, Director of CVS’ Practice Division, said: "Severn Edge is an impressive practice with an outstanding leadership team and an ambitious and exciting vision for the future which we share. We are delighted to welcome the team to CVS and look forward to working with them to help them build an even more successful future."
Dr John Brentnall BVSc MRCVS, a Director of Severn Edge, will continue in the role of CVS Regional Director. He said: "It was clear from our early discussions that CVS understood what we are trying to achieve. We have embarked on a significant investment programme, including upgrading our surgery at Madeley outside Telford, and the redevelopment of the site of an additional clinic which we have recently acquired in Craven Arms.
"In order for us to continually upgrade our clinics, provide the widest range of career opportunities for our staff and steer our practice through an increasingly competitive world, we believe that the best interests of us all lie in joining forces with CVS. It is known for its interest in equine and farm practice, as well as companion animal practice, and has a policy of significant investment in both infrastructure and staff. We believe it offers the best fit with Severn Edge."
Eurovet Animal Health has launched a new product, Bovocycline 2000 mg pessary for cattle.
Bovocycline 2000 is the only veterinary licenced antibiotic pessary for the treatment of retained foetal membranes in cattle. It is licenced for the treatment of post parturient disorders in cattle, for administration after dystocia, retained foetal membranes (RFMs) and endometritis.
According to Eurovet, the incidence of retained foetal membranes in cows varies from zero to 25 per cent, but the average is around 4 per cent in most herds. RFMs result in reduced cow fertility and a higher risk of culling due to poor fertility. Pessaries are still considered the preferred treatment for vulval discharges in cattle by farmers.
Ruth Vernon, Technical Services Manager for Eurovet said: "The control of post partum problems in cattle is rarely straight forward, but it is great to have a veterinary licensed treatment designed specifically for this purpose, in one pessary that contains 2000mgs tetracycline".
For more information please contact Eurovet Animal Health. Tel: 01223 257933. E-mail: office@eurovet-ah.co.uk www.eurovet-ah.co.uk
Maprelin, which contains a new active molecule, Peforelin, is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). A single, low volume injection of the ready-to-use solution induces oestrus in sows after weaning, and in sexually mature gilts where oestrus has been synchronised with Regumate Porcine.
According to the company, it works by selectively inducing the release of the animal's own follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to follicle growth - critical to successful reproduction - and the stimulation of oestrus. Conventional GnRHs, because of their mode of action, are used mainly to induce ovulation.
Janssen says Maprelin is the next step in its pig reproduction programme, named Syncoris. Cornerstone of this programme is Regumate for gilt synchronisation.
Trials have shown that with the use of Maprelin (compared with control groups of breeding animals) the number of gilts and sows showing oestrus within six days of treatment increased by about 15 percentage points (Table 1). For first-litter sows the figure was more than 8 percentage points. The duration of oestrus was not affected.
Gilts came on heat two days faster than with Regumate alone, and the weaning to oestrus interval with sows achieved similar statistically significant reductions.
Farrowing rate increased by over 5 per cent for sows, by 6 per cent for first-litter sows and just on 8 per cent for gilts.
Added to those benefits, for each 100 inseminations sows produced an extra 104 piglets, first-litter sows 105 and gilts an even more impressive 158. All gilt groups in the trials, including the control groups, were synchronised with Regumate. With unsynchronised gilts it is not possible to predict the correct time to inject Maprelin.
Phil Macdonald, the company's UK pig and poultry business manager, says the objective of every producer is profitable pigmeat production. "In the UK and other EU states the costs of feed, housing and labour are considerably higher than in other major pig-producing sectors of the world.
"This makes it important for UK producers to optimise management of the reproductive process. Maprelin is a valuable tool that can help with this objective."
The precision injection gun with Maprelin enables accurate delivery of the small amounts required. Gilts require a 2.0 ml dose 48 hours after their last Regumate treatment, first-litter sows a 0.5 ml dose 24 hours after weaning and multi-litter sows 2.0 ml 24 hours after weaning. Injections are intramuscular.
The solution requires no mixing, reducing the possibility for errors. Opened vials have a shelf life of 28 days and unopened vials a shelf life of two years. Sows and gilts need only one injection per parity, and the withdrawal period for meat and offal is zero days.
James Hutchings, Head of Sales for Bimeda UK, said: "The launch of Tetroxy Vet highlights our ongoing commitment to providing UK veterinarians with a choice of high quality veterinary pharmaceuticals at a fair price."
Bimeda says the benefits of Tetroxy Vet include:
Tetroxy Vet is available in a 100ml pack size.
David Chalkley MRCVS faces four alleged charges:
At the start of the hearing Mr Chalkley made no admissions as to the charges but he had made an application for an adjournment based on undertakings to remove himself from the Register and never to apply to be restored to the Register.
In addressing the Committee on behalf of Mr Chalkley, his counsel said that Mr Chalkley denied all charges of dishonesty, that there was no evidence of harm to animals as a result of the alleged conduct, that there had been no complaint from the client and that he had repaid all the sums he had received for tuberculin testing on the farm in question.
His counsel also submitted that a full hearing would be expensive and time-consuming, and that it would serve no useful purpose as animal welfare and the protection of the public would be served by Mr Chalkley’s proposed undertakings.
Counsel on behalf of the RCVS confirmed that the College did not oppose the application and confirmed that the Animal Plant and Health Agency did not object.
However, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that because the case concerned issues of alleged dishonesty in veterinary certification over a prolonged period of time and the importance of public trust in the accuracy and reliability of that process, there was a need to hold a full, public hearing into Mr Chalkley’s alleged conduct.
Ian Arundale, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee expressed no view as to whether the allegations could be substantiated or not and it recognised that the process of determining the allegations would be burdensome for many, particularly the respondent.
"It was satisfied, however, that a reasonable and fully informed member of the public would be disturbed to learn that allegations of this kind had not been the subject of a formal determination by the Disciplinary Committee. The respondent’s own interests had to take second place to this important public interest.
“The Committee therefore declined to accept the application to adjourn this inquiry [until an unspecified date] and directed that arrangements should now be considered for the listing of a hearing in this case.”
It is expected that the full hearing will take place in spring 2021.
The awards celebrate the achievements of remarkable people who dedicate their lives to improving animal health and welfare both in the UK and abroad. They are open to vets, vet nurses, farmers, animal welfare professionals and animal welfare teams who can be nominated to receive an award by fellow peers, friends and family or the general public.
There are nine nomination categories including a new one this year to recognise an international individual or team that stands out from the crowd by influencing and significantly contributing to making a visible difference in the world of animal welfare.
The categories are:
Chris Laurence Vet of the Year supported by Vet Record.
Vet Nurse of the Year supported by Agria Pet Insurance
Charity Team of the Year supported by PDSA
Charitable Contribution of the Year supported by Blue Cross
International Cat Care Welfare of the Year supported by International Cat Care
Farmer of the Year supported by R.A.B.I. and Farmers Guardian
Farm Educator of the Year supported by NADIS and Farmers Guardian
Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare supported by Your Dog and Your Cat magazines
Outstanding International Contribution to Animal Welfare supported by Ceva International
Nominations can be made at https://www.cevawelfare.com/click-here-to-nominate with nominations closing on Tuesday 31 December 2019.
Finalists will be announced at the beginning of February and winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in Birmingham in April on the eve of BSAVA Congress.
Cuneyt Seckin, Managing Director of Ceva Animal Health UK and Ireland, said: "As an animal health company, animal welfare is a huge focus for us. The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards are an opportunity to formally recognise and congratulate outstanding animal welfare teams and individuals who contribute to the protection and welfare of animals in their daily lives."
For more information, visit www.cevawelfare.com.
A free copy of the compendium has been sent to every veterinary practice in the UK, and it is also available online at: www.noahcompendium.co.uk. A special edition of the book commissioned by AMTRA will also be available for its SQPs shortly.
NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: "The NOAH Compendium, in all its formats, remains a major part of NOAH’s efforts to ensure appropriate access and responsible use of medicines for all animals. We are pleased it is even more comprehensive this year, as we continue to expand its list of contributors.
"Every NOAH member, as well as the non-member participants in the NOAH Compendium, is a signatory to the NOAH Code of Practice on Promotion, which demonstrates their commitment to operate above and beyond any regulatory requirements."
She added: “As well as product datasheets, the Compendium includes another vital resource – the contact details for each participating company. Company veterinary and technical advisors have detailed knowledge about their company’s medicines. The NOAH Code includes the requirement for NCAH qualification for NOAH staff in technical dialogue with prescribers and users of animal medicines – meaning their advice can be regarded as a valuable and trusted resource. They are ready to talk to prescribers about the use of a medicine in a particular animal or in a particular situation, as well as to explain any queries about the data sheet."
Veterinary practices that have not yet received a copy, perhaps because they are new or have changed address in the past year should contact NOAH (noah@noah.co.uk).
Extra copies are also available to order, for £47.50. Special prices are also available for bulk orders.
Titled 'Animal Welfare For The Many, Not The Few' (uh?), the policy proposes appointing an Animal Welfare Commissioner to ensure Government policy across Whitehall is informed by the latest scientific evidence on animal sentience.
The proposed policies in the document include a number of things the Conservatives have already been working on, such as:
Prohibiting the third party sale of puppies. All puppies will need to be sold with their mother on site.
Increasing maximum sentences for those convicted of animal cruelty.
Introducing mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses.
Enshrining the principle of animal sentience in law, covering all policy areas to prevent practices that expose animals to cruel and degrading treatment.
Introducing a ban on ivory trading.
However, Labour propose a number of additional ideas which are now open for a public consultation, including:
Improving accessibility to vets for those on low incomes/receiving financial support, working with organisations like the PDSA to explore how access to affordable vet care can be expanded.
Banning the use of animal shock collars, including sale and importation.
Expanding mandatory microchipping to cats.
Consulting with landlords and tenants on the ability for tenants to keep pets as default unless there is evidence that the animal is causing a nuisance.
Ending the badger cull.
Strengthening the Hunting Act, closing loopholes that allow for illegal hunting of foxes and hares.
Banning Foie Gras (which the Conservatives say is impossible under EU rules which Labour has said it wishes to continue following post-Brexit)
Mandatory labelling of domestic and imported meat, including country of origin, method of production and slaughter (stun or non-stun)
Requiring motorists to report accidents where an animal has been injured.
Banning wild animals in circuses.
Sue Hayman MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, said: "Labour is the party of animal welfare. From bringing in the ban on fox hunting to tightening the rules on the transport of live animals, Labour has always been consistent in our leadership on matters of animal welfare.
"Today we’re making proposals for real, long-term progress. Our vision is one where no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and we continue to drive up standards and practice in line with the most recent advances and understanding."
Conservative MP Steve Double said: "Labour are belatedly playing catch-up with the huge progress made by this Government on animal welfare.
However, Labour wouldn’t even be able to deliver some of these promises because they want to keep following EU rules after Brexit.
From introducing mandatory CCTV into slaughter houses to increasing the maximum sentence for animal cruelty ten-fold, the Conservatives will continue taking the action needed to ensure animals receive the proper protection they deserve."
Kriptazen is supplied with a twist-adjustable and weight-graduated dosing pump which means farmers can administer a precise dose up to 60kg without having to calculate it in ml’s first. Virbac says this will help to reduce the risk of incorrect dosing and toxicity issues.
Virbac’s Technical Product Manager Rosie Naylor said: "We are delighted to bring Kriptazen to the market. The trusted active halofuginone, along with the innovative weight graduated dosing pump, provides practices with added peace of mind when it comes to treatment."
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The app, which works on tablets and smartphones, allows vets to e-mail audit results directly to clients following an interactive calf health assessment at the farm.
MSD Animal Health’s youngstock marketing manager Robert Simpson said: “Our new app allows both parties to explore, record and score calf health performance across five core areas to identify the strengths and weaknesses of any rearing unit’s environment and processes.
“Working through a series of 10 questions within each core area – designed to tease out where a rearing unit is in terms of accepted best management practice – allows vet and farmer to quickly pinpoint any areas needing attention.
"What’s more, repeating the checklist every six or 12 months is a great way to keep things on track, allowing both parties to monitor progress against agreed targets”.
For more information about the app, contact your MSD account manager.
Norbrook has announced the re-launch of its range of intramammary tubes for lactating and dry cows, to promote holistic herd health and responsible use of antimicrobials.
The company’s range, which includes products across a number of antibiotic classes, primarily targets clinical cases of mastitis in lactating cows, and removal or prevention of infection around the dry period.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Marketing Manager at Norbrook, says the re-launch is focused on modernising the range and making it clearer for practice staff and farmers to avoid confusion between lactating cow and dry cow products: “We have a wide range of 11 products containing a variety of antimicrobials: for example Duofast is the only lactating cow product to contain trimethoprim and sulfadiazine. We are working with vets to promote responsible use by farmers, for example through the use of our teat sealant Noroseal for Selective Dry Cow Therapy."
The full range includes Duofast, Lactaclox, Cefimam LC, Combiclav, Noroclav and Multiject for the lactating cow; Cefimam DC, Noroclox, Bovaclox and Bovaclox DC Xtra for the dry cow; and teat sealant Noroseal.
Norbrook has also produced a best practice guide to mastitis control, available for vets in English and Polish, which can be shared with farmers.
Chris added: "We recognise the need to reduce overall use of antimicrobials, especially for disease prevention – as well as using non-antimicrobial products such as teat sealants. These practices, together with the recent focus on using older classes of antimicrobials, mean that as an industry we need to adopt a holistic and targeted approach to herd health management.
"We believe that by providing additional information to aid with prevention of disease, and re-launching our intramammary range to make it clearer when products should be used, we can help to achieve that."
Norbrook says the full range of products is in stock, but some wholesalers may hold components of the old range as the new range is phased in.
Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of Kexxtone this month, a new treatment which it claims can reduce the incidence of ketosis in dairy cows by 74%* following a single treatment.1
Kexxtone is a targeted solution for any dairy cow or heifer that is expected to develop ketosis around the period of calving. It is administered as a bolus,and provides coverage during the main risk period for the condition.
Ketosis often goes undetected because the signs are not immediately apparent. However, it is a common condition, affecting around 30% of cows2 and has a negative impact upon cow health, fertility and milk production. Ketosis can result, on average, in milk losses of around 350-500 litres per cow4 per lactation. The cost of production losses and disease related consequential losses due to subclinical ketosis has been estimated at around 250-600 EUR per cow.5
Elanco says this new approach is likely to significantly expand the array of options open to vets actively involved in dairy herd health management. Kexxtone comes with the benefit of a zero day milk and meat withdrawal3 and the formulation is based on monensin - a molecule with a long history of beneficial use.
According to the company, Kexxtone uses novel technology to allow a continuous and regular release of the active ingredient into the rumen which forms a gel when exposed to rumen fluid. This gel is progressively released into the rumen by a pressure sensitive spring in the Kexxtone device. The active ingredient shifts the microbial balance in the rumen to produce more of the glucose precursor propionic acid, therefore increasing glucose delivery and ultimately increasing the energy available to the cow. This improvement in energy utilisation buffers dairy cows against the tendency to drop into negative energy balance during the transition period around calving and early lactation - the major cause of ketosis.
Mike Steele, Technical Consultant at Elanco said: "Kexxtone offers an exciting opportunity in which everyone wins - vets who can offer positive interventions able to make a big impact on the bottom line, are going to be increasingly integral to their farm clients' herd health planning framework. It's no longer just about nutritional intervention and emergency salvage; it's about being able to proactively easily measure the true herd prevalence of ketosis and where appropriate, take preventative targeted action to really make a difference."
Kexxtone is available to order now from veterinary wholesalers - for further information contact the Elanco Territory Manager or call Elanco Animal Health on 01256 353131.
References
A 2021 German study reported the incidence of diarrhoea to be 18.5% and the most common disease observed in almost 14,000 neonatal calves examined on 731 dairy herds1.
Fencovis is indicated for the active immunisation of pregnant heifers and cows in order to stimulate the development of antibodies against bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus and E. coli expressing F5 (K99) adhesin and to increase the level of passive immunity of calves against neonatal diarrhoea caused by bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus and E. coli expressing F5 (K99) adhesin.
Boehringer says that in calves fed with colostrum and milk from vaccinated cows, these antibodies have been demonstrated to prevent diarrhoea caused by rotavirus and E. coli F5 (K99) adhesin and reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhoea caused by coronavirus.
Viral shedding in calves infected by rotavirus and coronavirus was also reduced by Fencovis.
Findlay MacBean, Business Head Livestock at Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Fencovis, the first vaccine that is licensed to prevent calf scour caused by Rotavirus and E. coli F5 (K99), and also reduce the incidence and severity of scour associated with coronavirus infection. ”
Fencovis is a suspension for injection which uses a non-oil adjuvant. It comes in a variety of presentations including a single dose pack.
Reference
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Cyclo Spray, an antibiotic spray for veterinary professionals treating hard to reach sites when handling cattle, sheep and pigs.
Dechra says the new product has been developed for use at any angle, even upside down.
Cyclo Spray (chlortetracycline hydrochloride 2.45%) is indicated for the treatment of superficial claw and hoof infections and the prevention of infections of superficial traumatic or surgical wounds.
Dechra Veterinary Products Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: "Vets dealing with livestock can often find that they are twisting themselves into awkward positions to get to hard to reach sites with traditional spray can treatments. Not only are they having to find the right angle to ensure the can works, but also potentially the treatment can drip or take time to dry.
"We've introduced Cyclo Spray to our portfolio to help combat some of those difficulties - it is a new 360 degree spray can allowing users to mark the site of application with confidence from whatever angle. It is non-drip, fast-drying with excellent adhesive characteristics and contains a non-toxic colouring agent."
Cyclo Spray is available in 211ml and 422ml can sizes. No withdrawal days are required for meat and milk.
To promote the launch of the new product, Dechra has also launched a competition giving entrants the chance to win a two day trip to London for two people to ride the London Eye and experience the capital from a 360 degree vantage point.
To enter the competition, with the prize including return rail travel, and dinner, bed and breakfast in a 4* hotel, visit www.dechra.co.uk to download an entry form.
In 2014 ioLight co-founders, Oxford physicists Andrew Monk and Richard Williams, filed a patent application for a pocket-sized digital microscope with a performance that compares with expensive laboratory microscopes. They asked Cambridge Industrial Design to realise the product, briefing them that the device would need to deliver images with one micron resolution (required to view human or animal cells) onto a smartphone or tablet, be pocket-sized, easy to use, and economical to build in medium to high volumes.
One of the biggest challenges was in making the unit pocket-sized, which meant it had to be foldable, something which could have led to a loss in the rigidity needed to achieve high resolution images. This challenge was overcome with the use of a single hinge which the company says makes the ioLight both portable and robust.
Alex Jones, Managing director of Cambridge Industrial Design said: "We recognised immediately this was a great idea but the design brief was certainly a challenge. Fortunately, challenges can sometimes bring out the best in designers. The final design is a real success both aesthetically and ergonomically, and this award is a fantastic acknowledgement for the design process and the final product that we have created together with ioLight."
ioLight is also celebrating another success: closing its second round of equity funding after raising £320k from 335 investors on the Crowdcube platform (128% of the initial target).
The company says the new funding will allow it to promote the microscope to a wide range of target markets including veterinary surgeons, education, laboratory and field research, museums and public engagement as well as to international markets.
Andrew Monk, ioLight’s co-founder said: "The product is so simple to use that it is the ideal communication tool for explaining science to the public, students and customers. The microscope lets everyone see the same image so the discussion is about the picture not the tools. It’s a perfect fit for government public engagement campaigns, which are well funded at the moment. We are absolutely delighted that this funding provides us with the opportunity for both product development and to reach out and make microscopy available to so many more people."
1,300 veterinary surgeons responded to the BVA survey, which was carried out in July. They were asked what Official Controls Qualification (OCQ) they hold or have held in the past, and give reasons for dropping a previously held qualification or choosing not to revalidate.
According to the BVA, many respondents criticised the current training and revalidation process, which is administered by Improve International on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Factors including time, the cumulative cost of renewing each module at regular intervals, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules were all cited as reasons for choosing to drop qualifications.
25% of vets who currently hold the Essential Skills OCQ say they are planning not to renew the qualification, with 67% saying it is because of the expiry of grandfather rights and 66% saying it is because they find the requirements too onerous.
18% of those who currently hold the Tuberculin Testing OCQ are not planning on renewing, either because they are finding the revalidation requirements too onerous (58%), too expensive (42%) or because the work is not sufficiently rewarding (42%).
35% of those who hold the Statutory Surveillance OCQ are not planning on renewing, primarily because of overly onerous revalidation requirements.
The largest drop off is predicted amongst holders of the Exports OCQ, 38.4% of whom said they plan not to revalidate.
Amongst the species bolt-ons, 45.5% of the holders of the Small Animal Exports OCQ, 51% of the Ungulate Exports OCQ, 66% of the Equine Exports OCQ, 72.5% of the Avian Exports OCQ, 47% of the Product Exports OCQ, 68% of the Germinal Products Exports OCQ and 32% of the Companion Animals OCQ said they plan not to renew, either because of the expiry of grandfather rights, or the expense or, in the case of Ungulate Exports, because revalidation is too onerous.
In the current system equine exports are included in the ungulate export OCQ, which the BVA says was a concern for those vets who only work with farm animals. APHA and Improve International have helpfully introduced an equine-only OCQ for exports that better meets the needs of equine-only vets.
BVA reports that it has had a positive meeting with APHA to discuss the survey results and explore practical solutions to iron out issues with the current system and make it easier to use. As a next step, BVA has agreed to review the modules and make recommendations for improving the structure of training and the revalidation process.
BVA President John Fishwick said: "The unprecedented response rate to this survey really hits home the strength of feeling on this issue. There is an urgent need to review and improve the revalidation process to safeguard against capacity and capability issues in this critical section of the workforce.
"It’s really positive that APHA recognises that there are issues with the current system and is keen to work with us to make it more proportionate and fit for purpose while continuing to maintain high standards. It’s more important than ever to retain skilled professionals so that the workforce is at full strength to respond robustly to disease outbreaks and meet demand for export certification after Brexit."
Andrew Soldan, APHA Veterinary Director said: "The integrity of our official controls and export certification is vitally important. The Official Controls Qualifications are a key part of this as they provide standardised OV training as well as assurance of high standards. I’m grateful to BVA for their assistance as we look to make further improvements to the system in the future."